Lotions, Soaps, Shampoos and More - What to Look For to Protect Your Health

 By Orville Campbell, MD

When choosing a personal care product, select natural lotions, soaps, shampoos, and other personal care products without the toxins. Make sure they are plant based. Avoid products with synthetic compounds, synthetic fragrances, and artificial colors which can place you at increased risk for various cancers and have a negative effect on the immune system.

Potentially Harmful Agents in Your Personal Care Products

Avoid personal care products with these chemicals: Triethanolamine (TEA) which can inflame the skin; Aluminum which is a heavy metal; Sodium Lauryl Sulfate which can be detrimental to hair follicles and hair growth; Paba (p-aminobenzoic acid) which can cause skin inflammation; Glycols such as ethylene glycol have the potential to be carcinogenic; Hydantoin DMDM can be carcinogenic in some laboratory animals; and DEA (diethanolamine) can cause skin inflammation and is potentially carcinogenic. DEA can be found in brake fluid and antifreeze. FD & C and D & C dyes also share such potential. Mineral oil and petroleum products can clog healthy pores in prevent the skin from eliminating toxins. There are numerous other agents; however, these are some common agents to avoid. These compounds are readily absorbed by your skin.

Natural Lotion

A quality lotion will have natural fragrances such as lemon grass, lavender, and orange oils. Your lotion should also have natural lubricants such as sweet almond and citronella oils. You want plant-based ingredients. Avoid lotions with synthetic compounds, synthetic fragrances, and artificial colors. These agents can inflame the skin (dermatitis) and can increase your risk for various cancers.

Lip balm

Look for natural lubricants or oils such as wheat germ, tangerine, and almond oils. It should have no artificial colors, flavors or fragrances.

Shampoo

A good product should be free of cold tar or petroleum products. Look for natural oils and fragrances such as fruit extracts (guava, raspberry, papaya etc.), kukui oil, and lemongrass as well as essential proteins such as wheat protein. Again, use no products with artificial dyes and fragrances.

Soap

Use soaps with natural oils, cleansers, and fragrances such as palm shea butter, lemongrass oil, oatmeal, rosemary oil, and cinnamon oil. If the soap has vitamins such as vitamin E, that is a plus.

Deodorant

Do not use a deodorant or Antiperspirant with the dangerous metal aluminum. It is readily absorbed by the skin. No artificial colors or fragrances. Look for natural essential oils and the use of water that has been purified along with natural mineral salts.

Personal care products come in contact with the largest organ of your body (your skin) or with the delicate lining of your mouth. Both will readily absorb toxins. So, use natural products. Your health depends on it.

This entry was posted on December 21, 2007 at 6:22 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site.